Lean Green and Smart Manufacturing: Ecosystem Strategies for Sustainable Innovation

Can a traditionally resource-and emission-intensive industry become a global benchmark for sustainability and efficiency? This study demonstrates that it can. Focused on the metalworking sector, we propose a powerful integration of Lean Green and Smart Manufacturing (LGSM) strategies—combining waste reduction, energy optimization, and circular resource use with cutting-edge technologies like cyber-physical systems and predictive maintenance. Through the application of the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) and consultation with seven industry experts, we prioritized the key drivers of sustainable transformation. The findings are clear: Waste Reduction in Production (WRP) leads the way, achieving a maximum importance of 50.15% and averaging 31.21% across evaluations. Lean-based Energy Optimization (LDEO) ranks second, peaking at 38.40% and averaging 27.92%. In the technological dimension, Cyber-Physical Systems for Sustainability (CPS-S) dominate with a weight of 39.32%, while Smart Predictive Maintenance (SPM) secures 17.99%. Sustainable innovation factors such as Energy Efficiency (EE) and Internet of Things (IoT) also show notable influence, averaging 17.52% and 10.60%, respectively. Overall, this research outlines a strategic roadmap, proving that aligning environmental goals with technological capabilities is essential for building the sustainable, digital, and resilient industries of the future. These insights offer valuable guidelines for practitioners and policymakers aiming to accelerate the transition toward sustainable manufacturing.